Here’s our guide to improving, maintaining, and enjoying your house. With information on everything from home technology and reducing energy costs to outdoor living and working from home, these articles will help you care for your house and get the most out of living there.
It’s hard to beat relaxing on your deck or patio in the backyard, but it can be even better with a pergola overhead providing shade and decorative appeal. Pergola’s benefits. A stained deck or patio looks even better with an accenting pergola overhead. Many pergolas have a series of timbers with open spaces in between,… Read more »
The island has become a fundamental part of the modern kitchen, but size limitations mean some kitchens cannot accommodate one. When an island isn’t feasible, a peninsula can be a great alternative. While peninsulas limit access to a kitchen as compared to islands that have circular flow, peninsulas can be attractive and functional. Floorplan variations… Read more »
Stainless steel appliances are gorgeous — until they’re streaked, smudged and full of fingerprints. Want to keep them looking like they did in the showroom? Here’s how. Warm water with a little dish soap is a great first step. Using a microfiber rag, wipe back and forth with the grain of the brushed stainless. Afterward,… Read more »
If you keep your garbage bins in the garage, why not free up space and move them permanently outside, tucked behind a decorative enclosure? Here are some gorgeous options for placing garbage bins out of sight and out of mind. Before you build. If you have a homeowners association, check first to see if you’re… Read more »
Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose a masonry paint that works… Read more »
Nothing could sour your vacation memories like arriving home to find your house burglarized. Here are eight easy steps to ward off the bad guys. Make neighbors aware and vigilant. This is where it pays to have established relationships with your neighbors. Knowing that you will be away helps neighbors spot anything amiss. Hire someone… Read more »
If you find yourself living in a house or apartment without central air conditioning, it’s time to go shopping for a window unit. Here’s what to look for and how to properly maintain it. It’s a matter of BTUs. Shopping for a window air conditioner isn’t complicated. The main thing to look for is the… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a leaf blower, it’s best to do your homework before heading to the store. Do you prefer a gas-powered machine or an electric- or battery-operated one? Do you want a blower that will also mulch all those leaves? You’ll also want to consider the power of the air stream,… Read more »
The home wet bar has been a part of entertaining for decades, but today’s renditions are more fashionable than ever before. Basic components include: a faucet with sink, a stylish counter with cabinets underneath, handsome open shelving above, a wine refrigerator and, if the sky’s the limit, a dishwasher. Don’t forget a beverage cart for… Read more »
Protecting your online privacy and your wifi network is a must for every homeowner. Guard your personal and financial information with these five easy steps. A strong wifi network password. Secure wifi at home means more than keeping your neighbors from mooching off your data plan. Cybercriminals use the wifi portal to access people’s computer… Read more »
A deck can be a little slice of paradise…except for the scorching sun by day and the insects by night. So why not turn that deck into a screened-in porch? Here’s an outline of what it takes. Get proposals. Using online and personal referrals, ask three contractors for proposals and quotes. Make sure they’ve been… Read more »
If you watch any of the TV design shows, the ceiling fans seem to be ignored in makeovers. By omission, you could easily get the impression they have become a design faux pas. The fan industry sees things otherwise and has some sleek designs hitting the market. Fan makeover. Forget the brass trim and pressed-wood… Read more »
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes strike indiscriminately, which means every homeowner should be prepared for life-threatening emergencies. Here are ten essential items to have on hand. A source of power. A generator will keep your refrigerator working to preserve food, and provide lighting at night. Gas generators provide more versatile power but need a supply… Read more »
It’s the house repair every homeowner fears: foundation problems. Before you panic, here’s how to tell whether those scary looking cracks are “no big deal” or a sign of real trouble. No worries. If you are living in a new construction home, expect minor settling that causes small cracks here and there. Hairline cracks that… Read more »
Technology has accelerated the ability to have a super energy-efficient home. Here are seven must-have ways to slash your usage and cost. Cool roofing. The roof takes the brunt of the sun’s energy and absorbs heat, affecting the cooling of the whole house. Light colored roof shingles were introduced to help mitigate that heat, but… Read more »
When the power goes out in your neighborhood — or you simply want a little modern convenience on a family camping trip — a portable power station might be the answer to your needs. Powered by lithium batteries, the units have a lot of advantages over the traditional gas- or diesel-powered generators. Convenient size. The… Read more »
Giving your home a welcoming custom feel is all in the architectural details. If your house is a bit blah, the solution may be as simple as adding trim. Moldings and trims on your ceilings, walls, doors, and windows add character and value to your home. Check out these five trim options to upgrade and… Read more »
Whether you’re shopping for a new home or updating your existing property, an upgraded shower is a great way to give your bathroom a boost. These days, sought-after showers are more high-tech and bigger than ever. In fact, some homeowners forgo tubs completely in favor of these expanded, spa-like showers in their master bathrooms. Before… Read more »
If chaos in the kitchen is sending you to the drive-through window a bit too often, it’s time to take control with the help of some time-saving, storage-friendly kitchen hacks. Here are five to get you started. Pull-out shelves. If you have to kneel down and rummage through deep corner cabinets, pull-out shelves may be an… Read more »
The latest trend in kitchen cabinets? Surprise! It’s no cabinets at all. Rather than traditional cupboards, kitchen designers are now frequently suggesting open shelving. A second option growing in popularity is glass-front cabinets. Check out the pros and cons of each before deciding on your new kitchen. Trends in open shelves Forgoing cabinets and installing… Read more »
